His Monkey Wife

or Married to a Chimp

This story became a best seller and established John Collier as a brilliant writer. In the story, Mr. Fatigay is a schoolmaster in the heart of Africa. His best, and most attentive student is a chimp by the name, Emily. She has a desire to learn and better herself through knowledge. Unbeknownst to Fatigay, Emily, while spending every day in his classroom, not only learns to read, but also falls in love with her teacher. When Alfred Fatigay returns to his native home of London, hopefully to marry his fiance, he brings along his trustworthy pet chimpanzee. Emily, though she can't talk, she has now a classically trained mind, Her thoughts become a searchlight upon the English culture she views.Upon their return, a passionate and jealous love triangle emerges between Emily and his fiancee, Amy Flint. Although Amy is originally unaware, a competition for the schoolmaster's hand in marriage begins. Emily is determined to save her man from the clutches of the evil one. Her loyalty, cunning and voraciousness are endearing as the race continues. Reality and fantasy intertwine as we find ourselves cheering her on.

This classic illuminates two completely different kinds of love; it contrasts the selfish and unfaithful with that which is truly nurturing, deep and selfless. 'True love' has a tremendous impact on the recipient.